FAQ

1. How often should I see the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

Most children and adults should see their dentist and hygienist for a regular cleaning and check-up every 6 months. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease and poor oral hygiene are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-up. People at a greater risk of oral diseases should have dental check-ups more often.

2. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We protect our patients in many ways, starting with state-of-the-art sterilisation equipment and the use of facemasks and gloves. We always check our patients’ health history.

3. Is it important to replace missing teeth?

A confident smile and a healthy mouth are important assets but it is important to replace missing teeth for health reasons as well. Once teeth have been extracted or fallen out there is bone loss in that area. Bone loss will continue until all the bone that was lodging the roots of the teeth disappears. This will dramatically alter one ‘s facial appearance. The facial features may droop and generally appear distorted giving that aged look.

Adjacent teeth may tilt, drift or rotate in a bid to close the gap between them. This will have detrimental consequences to the way the teeth come together and often there are accompanying jaw problems.

The tooth or teeth directly opposite the missing ones will over erupt into the resulting spaces.

4. Is my treatment going to hurt?

We provide anaesthetics for any treatment that is likely to hurt you. We use a topical anaesthetic on the skin in the mouth which dulls the pin prick feeling of the needle.

The injection can be uncomfortable but will only take a few seconds.

5. How safe are dental x-rays?

Exposure to all sources of radiation including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental x-rays can damage the body’s tissues and cells and may lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of x-rays is extremely small.

Advances in dentistry over the years have led to the low radiation levels emitted by dental x-rays. Some of the improvements are new digital x-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being x-rayed, modern higher speed x-ray films require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results.

Positioning techniques ensure that repeat exposures are eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

6. Which is the best toothpaste to use?

Any toothpaste containing fluoride that you like the flavour of is fine. Fluoride is important because it helps to strengthen tooth enamel, inhibiting tooth decay.

7. Do I need to use a mouthwash?

>It’s up to you whether you choose to use a mouth rinse or not. However, it is important to remember that it should not be used instead of a toothbrush, as it won’t clean your teeth for you. Apart from giving you a pleasant taste for a few minutes, most mouthwashes offer no benefits and in fact many are acidic, which could gradually erode your tooth enamel.

8. Is an electric toothbrush more effective than a manual one?

It’s possible to clean your teeth just as well with a manual toothbrush as an electric one. If you choose to use an electric toothbrush, you should still spend four to five minutes each time. It doesn’t clean any quicker – it’s just doing the movement for you. Those who have limited strength or movement in their hands or arms may find it easier to use an electric toothbrush.

9. What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?

We have staff that will make you feel special from the moment you have first speak to us over the phone right through to the end of your course of treatment. You are welcome to discuss any issues that may arise at any time during the treatment. Your satisfaction is of paramount concern to us.

10. Do you accept referrals?

Our practice has always grown by word of mouth recommendation so we are delighted when you pass on your positive opinions about us to friends and relatives. We also accept referrals from other dentists.

11. What is your complaint procedure?

We take any complaints very seriously and will always listen and try and resolve any concerns directly with you. Please feel free to contact the practice manager on 01865 515 806

CALL FOR ADVICE

If you would like to ask us any questions about our service or any oral health issue we would love to hear from you. Oxford Dental Centre are delighted to provide you a free and impartial advice. Call our Dental Helpline at 01865 515 806 and talk to our trained staff.

Discuss your treatment and agree on a payment plan to suit your circumstances

Complete a simple application form

We get a response from the Finance provider within 5-10 mins

Sign up for the finance and arrange to start your treatment.

About

We are a caring modern family dental clinic located in the heart of Oxford, and have been providing high quality dentistry, with outstanding continuity of care and service to the local community for more than 35 years.

We have earned a reputation for excellent dental care and customer service. Many of our new patients register with us due to personal recommendations.